10 Best Movies Like Interstellar Worth Watching: If you enjoy mind-bending sci-fi movies, especially those by Christopher Nolan like “Inception” and “Interstellar,” you’ve come to the right place. This list will introduce you to films that involve space travel, sci-fi action, and time travel, delivering complex and thought-provoking plots. These movies are sure to leave you satisfied or pondering their stories and endings. If you’re ready for a mind-twisting cinematic experience, let’s get started.
1. Gravity (2013)
Gravity is a science fiction thriller featuring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as the sole award-winning actors. The film is set entirely in space and employs realistic visual effects. The story follows an astronaut stranded in space after her shuttle is damaged by space debris, highlighting the challenges of returning to Earth. It addresses the real-world issue of space junk endangering satellites and space travel. Gravity won seven Academy Awards for music, direction, and visual effects. You can check out more such films in our list of best Award-winning movies.
2. Ad Astra (2019)
Ad Astra, which means ‘To the Stars’ in Latin, is a science fiction film similar to Interstellar. It stars Brad Pitt as the lead character, an astronaut named Roy, who embarks on a space journey to locate his father. The story unfolds with a series of flight accidents caused by mysterious power surges, which are traced back to an old mission, the ‘Lima Project,’ aimed at finding intelligent extraterrestrial life. Roy sets out to uncover the source of these surges and resolve the underlying issue.
Despite falling short of box office expectations, Ad Astra received critical acclaim and captured the audience’s admiration for Brad Pitt’s performance and captivating visuals. The film explores the complexities of a parent-child relationship, drawing parallels with Interstellar in various aspects.
3. Passengers (2016)
Passengers, starring Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence, is a science fiction romance film partially inspired by the E.C. Comics story ’50 Girls 50.’ The plot follows two main characters on a journey to a distant galaxy aboard a spaceship carrying thousands of people to a new colony 60 light-years away via interstellar travel. All passengers are in deep hibernation for 120 years, but Jim (Pratt) awakens prematurely due to a technical malfunction. Realizing his isolation, he wakes up another passenger for companionship but keeps the truth hidden. Together, they must navigate life on the spaceship and ensure the safety of the other passengers.
The movie received praise from critics for its visuals, sound effects, and the strong performances of the lead actors. However, some viewers felt that the story and character development could have been more robust, given the intriguing interstellar travel concept.
4. The Martian (2015)
The Martian,” released in 2015, is a science fiction film adapted from Andy Weir’s novel of the same name. The story centers on Matt Damon, an astronaut stranded on Mars by his crew due to unforeseen circumstances. He must employ ingenious methods to survive alone on the red planet by generating food and oxygen, while NASA endeavors to establish communication and facilitate his safe return to Earth.
The movie received critical acclaim and garnered immense popularity among audiences. It also earned numerous awards, including a Golden Globe, BAFTA, and several Oscar nominations. Like “Interstellar,” it’s regarded as an inspiring cinematic achievement, with Matt Damon’s outstanding performance and clever character portrayal earning him several Best Actor awards.
5. Moon (2009)
“Moon” is a science-fiction drama movie, notable for being Duncan Jones’ directorial debut, and it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The story revolves around Sam Bell, who is on a mission to mine Helium-3 from the moon’s far side. As he nears the end of his three-year assignment, he grapples with a personal crisis.
Despite its modest budget and limited release, the film didn’t perform exceptionally well at the box office. Nevertheless, it garnered significant critical and audience acclaim. The film’s direction earned numerous accolades, leading to a spiritual sequel, “Mute” (2018), and the creation of a graphic novel titled “Madi: Once Upon A Time in the Future.” “Moon” is considered a psychological thriller similar to “Interstellar.”
6. First Man (2018)
“First Man,” a 2018 American biographical drama, is based on James R. Hansen’s book “First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong.” The film delves into the years leading up to the historic Apollo 11 mission, which marked the first human-crewed mission to the moon, and portrays Neil Armstrong’s remarkable journey to becoming the first person to set foot on the lunar surface.
The movie offers a dramatic exploration of the psychological challenges faced by the astronauts involved in this unprecedented endeavor. It masterfully captures a pivotal moment in human history. While it may not feature extensive suspense or action, the film’s outstanding performances are compelling and will keep viewers engaged throughout.
7. Sunshine (2007)
“Sunshine” is a science fiction psychological thriller set in the year 2057, portraying a future where the sun is dying, leading to a freezing Earth. A team of astronauts embarks on a mission to reignite the dying sun using a stellar bomb, but they encounter unforeseen challenges that induce panic.
The film explores how the team confronts these issues while striving to ensure the success of their mission, drawing parallels with “Interstellar.” “Sunshine” received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. Despite its ensemble cast, the movie didn’t perform exceptionally well at the box office but later gained a cult following and popularity after its DVD release.
8. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
“2001: A Space Odyssey” is a groundbreaking epic science fiction film released in 1968, inspired by Arthur C. Clarke’s short story “The Sentinel.” The narrative unfolds in a reality where a mysterious monolith influences the evolution of prehistoric apes. Four million years later, a group of archaeologists rediscovered the monolith, which emits a powerful signal into space when exposed to sunlight. In response, humans embark on a mission to Jupiter, accompanied by a sentient A.I. named HAL, to investigate the monolith. However, events take a dark turn as they approach their destination.
The film is widely celebrated for its pioneering visual effects and its realistic portrayal of space travel, setting the standard for future space-themed movies. “2001: A Space Odyssey” has been a source of inspiration for many filmmakers, and it played a pivotal role in shaping the genre. In many ways, it paved the way for films like “Interstellar,” which owe a debt to its groundbreaking achievements in cinematic storytelling.
9. Life (2017)
“Life” is a science fiction horror film centered on the search for extraterrestrial life. The story follows six astronauts aboard the International Space Station as they uncover the first evidence of alien life on Mars. Initially perceived as a benign microorganism, this life form ultimately proves to be highly intelligent and dangerous. The film received mixed reviews from viewers, with praise for its acting, visuals, and screenplay, but criticism for its predictable plot.
Also Read: The 10 Best Sci-Fi Movies of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb
10. Prometheus (2012)
“Prometheus” is a science fiction horror film set in the late 21st century, addressing themes of human extinction. The plot follows a crew aboard the spaceship Prometheus, who follow a star map discovered among ancient Earth artifacts, hoping it will lead them to the origins of humanity. Upon reaching a distant planet, they encounter unimaginable threats that could spell the end of the human species.
The film is the fifth installment of the Alien franchise and serves as a prequel to it. While a sequel titled “Alien: Covenant” was released in 2017, “Prometheus” can be viewed both as a standalone film and as part of the larger franchise, with a self-contained storyline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a movie as good as Interstellar?
Yes! there are lots of movies as good as Interstellar in the Sci-Fi genre. For example, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Contact, 2001: A Space Odyssey, etc.
Which is better Tenet or Interstellar?
To be honest, both Tenet and Interstellar are masterpieces by Nolan. But in my opinion, I would prefer Interstellar a bit more than Tenet.
Is Interstellar a masterpiece?
Yes! Inarguably, Interstellar is a masterpiece that will always be celebrated by people for years to come. There is no doubt about that as it’s a flawless masterpiece.